Wisconsin FFA Convention offers exciting new opportunities for members and supporters to get involved

Wisconsin FFA Convention offers exciting new opportunities for members and supporters to get involved

New service project, alumni seminar and sponsorship opportunities available during annual event.

The Wisconsin FFA Foundation announces new opportunities for FFA members and supporters during the 84th annual Wisconsin FFA Convention set for June 10-13, 2013 in Madison, Wis. The event, expected to draw more than 3,400 attendees to the Alliant Energy Center, is open to FFA members, alumni and industry guests and registration is free.

“FFA members look forward to the Wisconsin FFA Convention each year as a time to share their successes with other FFA and industry members and a place to learn skills to bring back to their chapters,” says Nicole Nelson, executive director of the Wisconsin FFA Foundation.

“The event has grown to include inspiring keynote speakers, powerful leadership workshops, hands-on career development tours and several opportunities for members to interact with the agriculture industry,” Nelson adds, explaining that 60 percent of the convention’s attendees are FFA members with the remainder representing alumni, sponsors and guests.

New opportunities for the 84th Wisconsin FFA Convention have been planned to promote further experience, education and service programs to attendees.

Rally to Fight Hunger

The 84th annual Wisconsin FFA Convention will feature a new service project called “Rally to Fight Hunger.” This Wisconsin project is modeled after a similar project completed at the National FFA Convention where FFA members packaged more than 1 million meals to be donated to those in need.

“Our FFA members across the state shared how much they were inspired by the work that was achieved at National FFA Convention,” says Kayla Hack, Wisconsin FFA President. “They worked as a cohesive team to make a difference in communities across the country. Completing a similar service program at our state convention will help our members to fight hunger issues across Wisconsin.”

The goal of the 2012-13 Wisconsin FFA state officer team is to work with Wisconsin FFA members on the first day of convention to package 70,000 meals in partnership with Kids Against Hunger.

To reach this goal, the group must collect $10,000 for supplies. Anyone is invited to contribute to the Rally to Fight Hunger project by sending a check payable to “Wisconsin FFA Center” to Wisconsin FFA Center, P.O. Box 110, Spencer, WI 54479.

Wisconsin FFA Alumni seminar

Another new aspect of the 84th annual Wisconsin FFA Convention is the Wisconsin FFA Alumni Seminar. This seminar, hosted by the Wisconsin FFA Alumni Association, is tailored specifically for FFA alumni as an educational and networking opportunity.

“Many FFA alumni travel to the Wisconsin FFA Convention to support our state’s members and the future of the agriculture industry. This seminar will help our alumni to learn from industry leaders with informational workshops on career-building skills and involvement opportunities,” Nelson says.

Convention session changes

To best recognize award winners, last year the 83rd annual Wisconsin FFA convention featured a modified session outline as compared to years past. These modifications will be continued at the 84th annual Wisconsin FFA Convention.

The program changes include moving all proficiency award recognition to the second session of the event and reorganization of the award recognition schedule. Additional details and the convention program schedule can be found at: www.wisconsinffafoundation.org/convention.php.

This year, the convention will also be viewable through a live feed online at www.iHigh.com/wiffa. Those interested can tune into the event from their computers if unable to attend.

Convention partnerships

For the second year, FFA supporters can also become involved with the Wisconsin FFA Convention as a State Convention Partner through the Wisconsin FFA Foundation. The goal in the first year of the program – to keep convention funding consistent – was met. In its second year, the Foundation is aiming to grow convention funding by 20 percent.

“We know that this funding area has been pretty stagnant over the past several years, and would allow Wisconsin FFA to be in a better fiscal position to respond to the growing attendance and activities,” Nelson says. “We’re excited to partner with new industry sponsors and welcome companies to contact us for additional information on how to become involved.”

The 84th annual Wisconsin FFA Convention is set for June 10-13 in Madison, Wis. with more than 3,400 attendees expected. New opportunities at the event coupled with long-time traditions will allow FFA members, educators and industry members to interact and share agricultural experience and expertise, creating additional excitement for agriculture education and leadership.

Convention attendance is open and free to all Wisconsin FFA members, donors, FFA Alumni members and other guests. To register, visit www.wisconsinffafoundation.org/convention.php or contact your local FFA chapter. Attendees can also register at the event.

Those unable to attend the 84th annual Wisconsin FFA Convention can view the event online at www.iHigh.com/wiffa. The free stream is available to all through the duration of the event.

To show supporter pride for Wisconsin FFA, any Wisconsin FFA supporter – corporate or individual – can also donate $10 or more to the Wisconsin FFA Foundation and receive a window cling to highlight their commitment to the organization.

The Wisconsin FFA Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) organization, unites individuals, organizations and companies who share a common interest in the advancement of agriculture and community leadership through FFA. You can support today’s FFA members by supporting the programs that have been core tenets of the FFA: proficiency awards, career development events, state FFA degrees, sectional leadership workshops, scholarships, chapter awards, agri-science fair, state FFA convention and state officer support. Learn more about the Wisconsin FFA Foundation and sponsorship opportunities by visiting www.wisconsinffafoundation.org.